Flower power ~

Growing up the oldest of 4 kids, and having 2 sisters,

I always took for granted female relationships.

I wasn't very good at them until well into my 20s.

Women are awesome.

Not in a feminist way or "boys drool" way,

but each is truly unique with their own superpower.

Some are great listeners,

others great talkers.

Some a great shoppers,

others great savers.

Some are great cooks,

others great eaters.

You get my drift.

We need each individual woman with separate superpowers

in our diverse bouquet of friendships.

Rather than trying to make a daisy

smell like a rose, we can appreciate the few and funky

petals that are brightly colored.

We can appreciate the rose for being a subdued elegance

that is timeless and classic, a never failing standard.

I don't understand the women on the Real Housewive-type shows.

I've never had an altercation with a woman 

(that isn't a sister) like those women have.

Trying to mold someone into the narrow view

of what our individual ideal of friendship "should" be

is missing the point completely.

Some days are tulip days.

Some days require begonias.

For a short time, we are blessed with the narcissus.

When we see each women as specific

placement by the Lord, we can appreciate and understand

their purpose for our lives.

What kind of friends are in your bouquet?

Why not take a little time to send a hand-written note 

to one or two of them thanking them for how

they've added that perfect color/fragrance/accent to your nosegay.

Becky B. ~ thank you for being a friend that I love like my own family

and for ALWAYS being a place where I can laugh until I cry.

Lissa ~ thank you for being an amazing example of

discipline - you embody grace not perfection to me.

Becky S. ~ thank you for being the most tangible example

of obedience that I know.  It is such a virtue that has eternal blessings

and I am such a student of your personal commitment.

Kelley ~ thank you for being my friend for all these years!

You were my first "real" Christian friend and after

over 20 years (gasp!), that has been a timeless bond that cannot be severed.

Colby ~ thank you for being my friend where I can be authentically me,

you keep me in touch with my inner kid and I cherish that deeply!

The secret to friendships is to 
appreciate each one, individually.

Some are only meant for a season and wilt away

while others will blossom more beautifully than in previous seasons.

All have a potential to enhance who the Lord has created you to be.